Friday tired is something I’ve been feeling since Tuesday. I can’t remember feeling quite as tired as I do now for a very long time. It was probably when we moved into the house but I can’t be sure. The recollections I have of feeling this tired tend to be more of when I was working like a maniac in the UK.  It’s hardly surprising I have this association as I’ve been working (paid working) harder than I have for a long time.
It’s that typical rush before you go away behaviour. Trying to get everything cleared up. Except for me I’m having to juggle a pattern of working with other people that will accomodate me taking a 6 week break. I see my coaching clients at varying intervals but they all wanted to see me before I went away and they all want to see me when I get back. This is right and proper but it means I’ve had to increase the number of days I’ve been working and the number of hours in the day. None of this leisurely part time, flexible working it’s been full on and pack ’em in.
Through the fog of appointments and concentration I’ve come to appreciate more and more my life as a Domestic Executive. Central to all of this is my place in the home. Not just where I live but the fact that I have the luxury of working from home.
When I drove back from the commuter run the other morning I was dazzled by the view when home popped into view. I had that home sweet home feeling. Those arms of “home” reaching out to wrap you up in it’s comfort.
I started to think about all the other homes I’ve lived in and the extend to which I’ve had that home sweet home feeling. Even when I lived in rented places that were less than warming. My friends used to call one place I lived a Fridgedair on account of it’s lack of heating – they created all sorts of endearing fridge stories like – at least the light comes on when you open the door. But it was home to me – it may have been warmer outside than inside but it was home. Cosy it was not but it was where I used to slam the world outside and hunker down in my own tranquility.
When I started to own my own homes (or at least co-owned with the bank) those feelings of homeliness seemed to have more significance. But whether rented or mortgaged that feeling of home sweet home started long before I arrived at the front door. There were landmarks on the journey home that started those warm feelings. Over time those landmarks have included a railway bridge, a pub, a roundabout, an indian restaurant, a church or just the sight of the house itself in the distance.
Those feelings of home have never been more intense than this week here in New Zealand when I came back and saw the valley, the hills and our home in the morning sunshine.
Whether all these home sweet home feelings have been brought on by tiredness I don’t know. The fact that I’ll be leaving home behind for a few weeks is probably a greater factor. In a week’s time I’ll be leaving all this behind to start out travel adventure back to the homeland. We’ll be leaving out home in capable hands who’ll enjoy what we enjoy.
I rather like to think of it as home-sitting. An altogether more attractive proposition than house sitting don’t you think?
Again, look at those photos, your home oozes love and affection and warmth! I wish you all the best for your trip, was hoping to catch up before you went but i know you are mega busy doing that ‘going away’ working thing. Hugs though, will be thinking of you!! xxx
Oh, what a breathtaking piece of expressive, emotional writing! I finished reading with a tear in my eye. Though the build up to your big trip is busy and the trip itself will be a roller coaster of visits and emotions, it must be such a heart warming feeling to know that you have such a loving home to welcome you back when the travels are over. The time, energy and devotion you are putting into your new life shines through in this writing. It is as though the walls of your home are calling out and saying, ‘Thank you for building me and loving me. I won’t let you down. I shall stand strong for you and always be here to welcome you home with a warm, open hearth.’
Wishing you safe and happy travels x
What frosty mornings you’re having. They make your home look magical. And now that your home is complete you can relax and enjoy your travels knowing that the return will be just as satisfying. You always sound very organised so hopefully preparing for your trip will not be too stressful. Have a wonderful time.
i love the way that the photos get closer and closer to your home. that along with your expressive writing makes me feel as if i am there.
Hi Deb, thanks for the feedback on this and also the tips on the panorama. Am definitely going to try this and see if I can make it work. JT